I voted for Ron last time around and I will do so again. I don't give .02 about whether or not he can win. I vote my conscience not the odds. If more people were willing to do that (and I do think the time is ripe for it since the tea party has gained strong third party notoriety) then perhaps we can finally make the two parties start listening to the people instead of pandering to their extreme base with broken politics that ruin this country.

I really like Ron Paul. I dont think I always agree with him or even more know what would happen with some of his ideas if they were or even could be put into action (gold standard, soc. security welfare etc.) Libertarianism does have a lot of ideas that appeal to me though and I think Paul's the only politician who isnt full of crap and will say exactly what he thinks and wants to do without regard for the consequences. Most politicians will shuffle around and spout nonsense. Media kind of disregards him though especially around election time and unfortunately his nononsense approach gives his opponents plenty of soundbytes to run him out of the election. Daily Show did a really good piece on him (I swear its not superliberal, I know some people really don't like John Stewart on here but hes really not that bad) http://youtu.be/cUXBz6AGJFM

I agree with him on almost everything, but he isn't a great communicator.

Ever since the 60's and JFK, this has unfortunately played too much of a role on who gets elected. I don't care what my president looks like or sounds like....if he understands how to run things, what do I care if the only way he can communicate is through grammatically incorrect emails?

[quote="cleoleper"]I really like Ron Paul. I dont think I always agree with him or even more know what would happen with some of his ideas if they were or even could be put into action (gold standard, soc. security welfare etc.)[quote]

Someone has to explain to me this idea of going back to the gold standard. I hear it mentioned nearly every time the name Ron Paul comes up, but I do not see any logic in it whatsoever

A shame. I voted for Ron. And should he be alive to run again in 2016. I'd vote for him there too. What they did to him at the Republican convention was a travesty.. and pure proof that they will not allow 3rd party principles and common sense anywhere near either party. Mitt Romney's campaign " Hey Ron.. We know you earned a speaking slot and all.. and have a TON of delegates here.. But, we would like to vet your speech." Ron Paul: "Huh!?" Romney's people: "Yeah.. If you don't let us tell you what you can say... We aren't going to let you speak." Ron Paul: " I'm not speaking then!"

I like Paul, but the problem is that voting for him let's the Dems win and now we are stuck with Barry.

What you said.. Right there is a part of the problem. The problem is.. People feel that way. If more people voted their conscience and not what others tell you is common sense. We'd be able to get a 3rd party candidate into office.

If we TRULY had free elections.. Gary Johnson would have been allowed to participate in the national debates. The American people have the right to know they don't HAVE to vote red or blue. Common misconception. The democrats were literally TERRIFIED of Ron Paul winning the republican nomination. Do you know why? Because it would have put his "out of mainstream" ideals into the limelight and people would realize. Holy crap. What have we been doing all these years. And he would have won. I am telling you he was the ONLY GOP candidate who could have beaten Obama. And even the GOP didn't want him to win. Everyone knows he represents the libertarian mindset. His running as a republican is more a middle finger to both parties.

Let's face it.. the media didn't exactly give Ron Paul fair coverage in the primaries. And they constantly attempted to portray him as crazy "Uncle Ron.. Pay no attention please." I'll tell ya. Some people took notice. The GOP is in BIG trouble and a LOT of those voters see the libertarian ticket as more appealing. And they aren't alone. Liberals are fed up as well. They also find the libertarian concept fascinating.